New York Knicks

Report: NBA executive adamant that Knicks star Julius Randle doesn’t deserve max contract

Published by
David Akerman

The New York Knicks were one of the biggest surprises this season, reaching the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

They were led by the standout play of forward Julius Randle, who was named an All-Star and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. During the regular season, Randle averaged 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from beyond the arc.

In the Knicks’ first-round series loss against the Atlanta Hawks, Randle struggled. His numbers dropped to 18.0 points and 4.0 assists per game on 29.8 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point land.

Despite Randle’s breakout campaign, one NBA executive does not believe the veteran is worthy of a max deal.

“I don’t believe Julius is a max guy,” the NBA executive told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. “He’s a good player, but definitely not a max guy in my opinion. I don’t think his season was a fluke. I think Thibs (Tom Thibodeau) and Kenny Payne are great for him, I just don’t think he is a max player.”

The 26-year-old currently does not have his $19.8 million salary for next season fully guaranteed, but given his play this season, it seems likely that it will become fully guaranteed soon. Randle would then become eligible for a four-year, $106.44 million extension that would start during the 2022-23 season, according to HoopsHype’s Yossi Gozlan.

Randle has career averages of 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game on 48.5 percent shooting from the field and 34.2 percent shooting from deep.

David Akerman

David is a Miami native and University of Maryland graduate who has experience in writing, editing and video production. He has been following the NBA and NFL for as long as he can remember.

Published by
David Akerman

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

17 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

2 days ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

3 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

5 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

6 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

7 days ago